Mixing Olympics and politics is toxic

WILLIAM Earl, a western journalist, reported how the recently concluded Paris Olympics made history in the area of media viewership. His piece was published on July 27. He wrote that the watery spectacle of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games delivered 28.6 million viewers for NBCUniversal platforms, making it the most-watched kick-off for a summer Olympics since London in 2012.

Hear him: “Last night’s Opening Ceremony, one of the most ambitious and complex in Olympic history, was a spectacle for those in attendance in Paris, delivered a huge audience across our NBCU platforms, and set records for Peacock,” said NBC Sports President Rick Cordella. “Thanks to the tireless effort of our production and engineering teams, and extensive promotion, we are off to a strong start that is in line with the expectations of our NBC stations, and distribution and advertising partners. We are in great position as we look forward to the next two weeks of competition.”

The theatrical, four-hour ceremony that aired live on Friday afternoon in the U.S. came in 10 million viewers higher than NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Tokyo opening ceremony in 2021 and more than 2 million higher than Rio in 2016, according to NBCUniversal.

The traditional procession of the national teams from each competing country was done this time via boat down the Seine — and event organisers did not disappoint on the promise of arresting visuals to kick off the event that the nation aims to be a showcase of modern France.

The Paris Olympics also has its bad side globally because of the controversy surrounding the same opening ceremony that attracted so much television viewership. The controversy was the decision of the organisers to use LGBTS practitioners to depict the last supper in a way to denigrate one of the highest and most spiritual events in Christendom: the last supper of Jesus Christ. 

Locally, the Paris Olympics 2024 has also come with its own Controversy associated with the lackluster performance of team Nigeria which won no medal even after approximately spending N12 billion on that trip to France for the Olympics by the 86-member strong Nigerian team. 

As aforementioned, the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics ended with Nigeria facing a bitterly disappointing outcome, marked by a lack of medals despite an investment of approximately 12 billion Naira and a sizable contingent of 82 to 86 athletes. Critics, ranging from political commentators to sports enthusiasts, have been quick to assign blame to the Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh. However, such a simplistic attribution of responsibility overlooks the multifaceted challenges and entrenched issues within Nigeria’s sports administration. The complexities of sports management, both at the federal and state levels, reveal that the issues are far deeper than the performance of a single minister. Understanding these intricacies is crucial to addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s poor showing at the Olympics and charting a path forward for future success.

At the heart of the criticisms lies a misunderstanding of the role and influence of the Minister of Sports. Unlike other ministries, where the minister may have near-total control over the operations and outcomes, the sports ministry operates within a complex web of federations and governing bodies. The autonomy granted to these federations, including the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and others, significantly limits the minister’s ability to enact sweeping changes or hold them accountable for performance outcomes. For instance, the NFF operates independently of the Minister of Sports, and any attempt to dissolve or override the federation could result in severe sanctions from FIFA. The same autonomy is seen across other sports federations, many of which have been entrenched in their current form for years, making rapid reforms a near impossibility.

Senator Enoh, appointed less than a year ago, is in a position where he must navigate these entrenched structures while attempting to implement change. The expectation that significant reforms and performance improvements could be achieved in such a short period is unrealistic. Critics fail to recognise that the Minister is constrained by these long-standing structures, which require time and careful strategy to reform. Blaming him for the immediate outcomes of the Paris Olympics is not only unjust but also counterproductive, as it distracts from the systemic issues that need to be addressed.

One of the significant criticisms levelled against the Minister has been the omission of Favour Ofili from the 100-meter race. This decision has been widely condemned, with many pointing fingers at the Minister. However, it is essential to clarify that the Minister of Sports does not directly handle athlete registrations. The responsibility for athlete selection and registration lies with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), both of which operate independently of the Minister’s direct control. Senator Enoh has expressed a commitment to investigating this matter, but it is critical to understand that the registration process is managed by these statutory bodies. The omission of Ofili, while unfortunate, cannot be laid at the feet of the Minister, who is working within the constraints of a system that he did not design and has had limited time to reform.

The disqualification of the men’s 4×400 meters relay team has also been a point of contention. It is important to note that the disqualification was due to a technical rule infringement, unrelated to any actions by the Minister. The team had previously competed without incident, suggesting that the issue was not a result of the Minister’s intervention but rather an unfortunate occurrence that could happen to any team. Yet, this incident has been used by some as further evidence of ministerial failure, a claim that does not hold up under scrutiny.

Furthermore, criticisms regarding athletes’ registration and accreditation have not been substantiated beyond the Ofili incident. There were no other significant issues reported, and the accreditation process for athletes and coaches proceeded without major problems. This indicates that, contrary to the claims of widespread mismanagement, the process was largely successful, and the issues that did arise were isolated rather than indicative of a broader failure.

Despite the overall lacklustre performance, there were notable achievements that should not be overshadowed by the medal count. The Nigerian women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, showcased exceptional talent and resilience. Their performance, under the guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, was nothing short of remarkable. Coach Wakama’s recognition as the best female basketball coach of the Olympics is a testament to the team’s high level of preparation and skill. The near victory against the American team, a global powerhouse in basketball, underscores the remarkable performance of the team.

This achievement is particularly significant when considering the broader context of Nigeria’s Olympic campaign. While the medal tally may not reflect success, the performance of the D’Tigress is a clear indication that there is potential within Nigeria’s sports sector that can be harnessed with the right support and investment.

It is crucial that this achievement be celebrated, and the team deserves recognition, such as a national honour or a presidential handshake, regardless of the overall medal tally.
Onwubiko is Head of the Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria, and was National Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission Of Nigeria.

The performance of the D’Tigress offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with proper support, Nigerian athletes can compete at the highest levels. The Minister of Sports should take this opportunity to advocate for greater recognition and support for women’s sports in Nigeria, which has consistently delivered results despite limited resources and investment.

The underperformance at the Paris Olympics should catalyse reevaluating and reforming Nigeria’s sports infrastructure. The 12 billion Naira investment, while significant, is insufficient when compared to the budgets of other nations. For example, India, despite its large population and substantial investment, also underperformed at the Olympics, highlighting that financial investment alone does not guarantee success. The challenges facing Nigerian sports are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate needs of athletes and the long-term development of sports infrastructure.

Preparations for the next Olympics should begin immediately. This includes developing a robust training programme, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring that athletes have the resources they need to compete at the highest levels. The current funding is inadequate for comprehensive athlete development, and there is a need for increased investment to compete effectively on the global stage. The Minister of Sports, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Sports and state ministries, should lead the charge in securing the necessary funding and resources for this endeavour. Attracting private sector led funding of grassroots sports is key to achieving a fundamental reform of the entire sports infrastructures in Nigeria.  

Grassroots development is another critical area that requires attention. The Minister of Sports should spearhead efforts to enhance grassroots sports development, working closely with state governments and private sector partners to build local sports facilities and programmes. This approach will ensure a steady pipeline of talent and improve overall performance at international competitions. The success of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team highlights the importance of investing in grassroots sports and supporting athletes from a young age.

Athletes should not be left to train in subpar conditions. Providing them with adequate resources and support is crucial for their success. The Minister should advocate for better conditions and more substantial funding to ensure that athletes can train effectively. This includes not only financial support but also access to top-tier coaching, medical care, and international exposure. By investing in the holistic development of athletes, Nigeria can improve its chances of success on the global stage.

Reducing political interference in sports administration is another vital step towards improving performance. Sports should be insulated from political considerations, with a focus on merit and competence in the selection of federation leaders and the management of sports programmes. Ensuring that federations are led by capable individuals who prioritise the development of sports is essential for future success. The Minister of Sports should work to promote transparency and accountability within the federations, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of athletes and the nation.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, while disappointing, should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Blaming the Minister of Sports alone does not address the systemic issues within the sports administration. A comprehensive approach that includes increased investment, grassroots development, and reducing political interference will be crucial for Nigeria to achieve better results in future international competitions. The achievements of the Nigerian women’s basketball team are a beacon of hope and a reminder of the potential within the country’s sports sector. By building on these successes and addressing the challenges, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter future in sports.

The road ahead requires a collective effort, with the Minister of Sports, the Federal Ministry of Sports, state ministries, and private sector partners working together to build a sustainable and successful sports ecosystem. The lessons learned from Paris 2024 must inform a new strategy, one that prioritises long-term development over short-term gains and places the needs of athletes at the centre of all decisions. Only then can Nigeria hope to achieve the success it so richly deserves on the world stage.
Onwubiko is Head of the Human Rights Writers Association Of Nigeria.